Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the top ranked amateur in the United Arab Emirates, will bid to become the first Emirati to make the cut at the Abu Dhabi Championship this week.
Al Musharrekh, 21, also studying for a degree in Business Management at the American University of Dubai, was handed an invitation by tournament sponsor Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
The youngster was the highest ranked Emirati on the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour last season. In 2010, he competed as an amateur in the same tournament, narrowly missing the cut.
This year, however, his aspirations are much higher: "My goal is to make the cut and if i do I'll be doing my best to move up the leaderboard and really compete. My game has improved a lot in the past few years and I am a lot more confident of making the cut and getting my place in the history books."
He is rightfully thrilled to be playing in a tournament with a truly world class entry list. Former world number one and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods will be joined by defending champion Martin Kaymer and world number one Luke Donald, amongst various others from golf's elite.
Al Musharrekh considers it an honour and privilege to be playing in such a prestigious event.
"It really is an amazing opportunity to be playing in this tournament," he said. I just want to play freely and enjoy the experience. Some of the greatest players in the history of the world are playing."
